On July 1, 1923, the Chinese Immigration Act took effect in Canada. It halted immigration from China - immigration the government had welcomed when labour was required for the transcontinental railway. Although Canadian immigration policy in the early 20th century was generally restrictive, the Chinese were the only race excluded. Fewer than 50 Chinese immigrants were allowed into the country between 1923 and 1946, and those already living in Canada were required to register with the government.